A prospective randomized trial of topical pimecrolimus for cetuximab-associated acnelike eruption.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Clinical trials addressing the acneiform rash associated with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are lacking.

OBJECTIVE:

We evaluated the ability of topical pimecrolimus to reduce the severity of cetuximab-related facial rash.

METHODS:

In all, 24 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with cetuximab facial rash received twice daily pimecrolimus application for 5 weeks to half of the face. At baseline, week 2, and week 5, a dermatologist performed facial lesion counts, patients reported perceived severity of rash-related symptoms, and standardized facial photographs were obtained for blinded evaluation of global rash severity.

RESULTS:

Treatment sides had greater decrease in lesion counts than observation sides of face at weeks 2 (P < .001) and 5 (P = .02). However, there were no significant differences in patients' assessment of symptoms and in review of facial photographs for rash severity between treatment and observation sides.

LIMITATIONS:

This study was not placebo controlled.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pimecrolimus application did not translate into clinically meaningful benefit for patients with cetuximab-related facial rash.

• Authors: Alon Scope, Jocelyn A Lieb, Stephen W Dusza, Deborah L Phelan, Patricia L Myskowski, Leonard Saltz, Allan C Halpern
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 61 Issue 4 Pg. 614-20 (Oct 2009) ISSN: 1097-6787 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 19646778 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antineoplastic Agents
• Dermatologic Agents
• pimecrolimus
• Cetuximab
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Acneiform Eruptions (chemically induced, drug therapy)
• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Aged
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (adverse effects)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antineoplastic Agents (adverse effects)
• Cetuximab
• Colorectal Neoplasms (drug therapy, secondary)
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Drug Eruptions (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Tacrolimus (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Treatment Failure
• Young Adult